Summer Fun!

There are so many ways to enjoy the pleasures of summer in the Valley — it all depends on your mood. Looking for something relaxing? Take a stroll through a formal garden or a cruise down the Hudson. Need more excitement? Watch a stock car race, rock out at a summer concert, or hurtle down a 600-foot water slide. The choices are endless. So gas up the car, and get going!

Published: 04/14/2010

(page 13 of 17)

The Warwick Drive-In is known for its daily showings of double-features throughout the summer

Drive-Ins

Though the days of malt shops, greased hair, and Danny-and-Sandy drama are gone (sort of), drive-in movie theaters live on. And who would think otherwise? After all, there’s something to be said about this long-time staple in American culture: Huge screens, surround sound, and gorging on junk food from the luxury (and privacy) of your own car. Oh yeah — and the films, of course.

Hi-Way Drive-InOpened in 1951 by the Klein brothers at the start of the drive-in boom, Greene County’s Hi-Way Drive-In boasts a 75-foot wide main screen (plus three additional ones), parking for over 600 vehicles, and the original neon marquee, which evokes a classic feel. The Hi-Way is currently the second-largest drive-in in New York State and allows well-behaved dogs on the grounds; open April through October.10769 Rte. 9W, Coxsackie. 518-731-8672

Warwick Drive-InOriginally built on a five-acre pasture, Warwick Drive-In features three screens operated by the same local family that opened the business in 1950. Double features are shown from mid-March through October every night of the week. Feel free to bring your laptop: Wi-Fi access is available on the grounds at no charge. 11 Warwick Tpke., Warwick. 845-986-4440

Jericho Drive-InAlbany County’s Jericho Drive-In is one of the smallest of the state’s drive-ins. This quaint one-screen spot holds up to 300 cars from mid-May through September. Patrons enjoy ice cream on the grounds, featuring favorite treats like sundaes, banana splits, and milkshakes. Tune in to 530AM and 98.9FM. 21 Jericho Rd., Glenmont (Selkirk). 518-767-3398 or www.jerichodrive-in.com

Hyde Park Drive-InIn operation since 1949, the Hyde Park Drive-In sits on 12 acres that can hold up to 670 cars, and shows flicks on a massive 82-foot wide screen. Watch movies on the weekend (Friday-Monday) until mid-May, when the theater opens every night through mid-September. Tune in to 87.9FM.4114 Albany Post Rd. (Rte. 9), Hyde Park. 845-229-4738

Overlook Drive-InAccording to www.driveinmovie.com, the Overlook Drive-In’s 12-acre al fresco cinema holds the largest screen in all of the New York metro area — it’s six stories tall. The grounds fit up to 750 cars, though moviegoers tend to favor blankets and lawn chairs. Hungry? Enjoy char-broiled Black Angus burgers at the snack bar. Open from mid-April to mid-October. Tune in to 87.9FM.126 Degarmo Rd., Poughkeepsie. 845-452-3445 or www.overlookdrivein.com